Practical Implementation – Testing and Standardization

In Subproject 10, knowledge and findings on the use of earth-based materials and the reuse of timber components for standards, guidelines and specialist publications are being compiled and prepared for broad application in practice. Procedures for testing and dimensioning earth-based materials are being developed. These are based on material and product testing methods from existing standards (e.g. earthworks, concrete, masonry) and specialist literature. The methods and parameters are systematically evaluated by means of sensitivity analyses and tests. The aim is to create drafts for Swiss standards in collaboration with the SIA and IG Lehm associations, experienced planners and producers, while considering input from the other Think Earth subprojects. For example, the reuse of timber components and the development of detachable connections will be dealt with in subprojects 5 and 7, where both of these subprojects are relevant for the work outlined here in subproject 10. For broad application, the findings of the subprojects and the design concepts and tools developed from them will be made available in a guide for architects and Ligatec documentation for engineers.